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Writer's pictureChloe Cheng

Jessie Burton's feminist retelling of Medusa

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‘How can you love someone and want to chop off their head?’ (p.168)

Feminist retellings of Greek Myths have grown in popularity in recent years and for good reason. Writers have started to look back at narratives interwoven with patriotic ideals and muted female characters and sought to reclaim their voices.


If you take a walk into your local Waterstones, you'll find a beautiful table adorned with books in the genre of Greek Mythology, and I have read every single one.


But, this is definitely my favourite retelling of Medusa to date. It’s original, it’s witty, and it’s written by a feminist! What’s not to love?


Even if you’re not an avid Greek mythology reader like I am, this book is packed with adventure and emotion, so there’s something there for everyone!


‘You will not find me in my deeds, nor in poems written by long-dead men. But you will find me when you need me, when the wind hears a woman’s cry and fills my sails forward.’ (p.171)

Through a series of conversations between Medusa and Perseus, Burton provides the reader with a glimpse into Medusa's life of solitude, and the painful truth about her transformation.


What makes this book different from others is the fact that Burton takes a completely different approach to retelling this myth: yes, it is a romance, but it’s also so much more than that. Perseus isn't the hero in this myth. In fact, other than Perseus, no other men appear in the novel, which leaves it entirely up to Medusa to share her story.


The traditional narrative that we’re used to hearing has been completely flipped, unpicking every assumption ever made about Medusa and her head or snakes. What I’ve learned is that she’s not the villain people often paint her as, but I’ll let you decide that for yourself…

‘Look, Medusa, girl and Gorgon. You. Me.’ (p.171)

It’s a relatively short novel (208 pages to be exact) but this makes it all the more gripping. I genuinely could not put it down and I can’t wait to read it all again soon.

Obviously, you should never judge a book by its cover, but I mean come on - look at how beautiful it is!!!!


If you’re a fan of Madeline Miller, make sure you pick up this book and tell me what you think! 📖 🌊🌅🐍

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